Audio: Prepared remarks by the mayor of KwaDukuza Cllr. Siduduzo Gumede at the 14th Annual Building Control Officers’ (BCO) Convention 2025 at eBandla Hotel and Conference Centre

Good morning to you all and welcome to the province of KwaZulu-Natal where we have gathered at the 14th occasion of the Building Control Officers’ Convention taking place in KwaDukuza which is the home of the great Zulu king, Shaka kaSenzangakhona.

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It is a profound honour to stand before you on this auspicious occasion and on behalf of the people of KwaDukuza and the broader province of KwaZulu-Natal, we appreciate the decision by key role-players for choosing KwaDukuza, and Ballito in particular as the backdrop for these important discussions. Our coastal beauty and dynamic growth make this engagement the perfect setting to explore how we can collectively in turning the tide on building resilience against pressing challenges of climate change.

 

As we gather under an inspiring theme, "Innovating for Resilience: Regulating building technologies for climate responsive development," I am reminded of the critical role and responsibility we all have to take in shaping a sustainable future for South Africa. This local endeavour resonates well with the global momentum from the historic G-20 Leaders' Summit hosted on African soil for the first time, this past weekend. 

 

Despite challenges like the U.S. boycott, the summit was able to successfully adopt the Leaders' Declaration which places the Global South's priorities at the forefront of the agenda, emphasizing strengthened disaster resilience through integrated, people-centred approaches to risk reduction, prevention, and recovery.

 

Key resolutions include up-scaling adaptation finance and innovative mechanisms like insurance and bonds for the promotion of nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches into sustainable infrastructure. This includes accelerating technology cooperation for low-emission energy transitions, directly aligning with our convention's focus on regulating building technologies towards build climate-responsive development, ensuring resilience, equitable built environments which protect vulnerable communities across Africa and beyond.

 

Last month, the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference held in eThekwini (ICC), announced a staggering R26.5 billion worth of investment pledges to KwaDukuza which translates to 26.47% of the total R100.1 billion pledged in the province.

 

This highlights our soaring potential for economic and sustainable development. Therefore, the convention aligns perfectly with this spirit, bringing together experts to innovate and regulate for a stronger, and a more resilient built environment.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, the theme for this convention could not be more timely. This event should address critical challenges impacting South Africa’s built environment, including the construction mafia phenomenon and the devastating effects launched by climate change across the country and the world at large. 

 

South Africa faces escalating climate risks; including rising sea levels threatening our coasts, extreme weather events disrupting communities, and the urgent need to reduce emissions while building economic growth.

 

In light of the growing impact of climate-change such as flooding leading to drownings, building collapses, and infrastructure damage, as evidenced by the devastating 2022 flood disaster which the government injected over R1.3 billion for redress and the loss of over ten lives, we must explore strategies to enhance infrastructure resilience and safety.

 

As KwaDukuza, we are not waiting for another disaster to rear its ugly head as we face unique vulnerabilities. We are actively committing to low-emissions development as part of mitigating such risks.

 

Our initiatives include baseline reviews of our greenhouse gas inventory, the development of a Low-Emission Development Strategic Framework and Action Plan, and ensuring alignment with national climate goals. 

 

Accordingly, we have a comprehensive Climate Change Response Strategy that focuses on mitigation and adaptation cutting across vulnerable sectors like agriculture, water, and infrastructure. 

 

Just last month, we hosted a Town Hall Conference of Parties (COP), where we rallied our communities toward net zero ambitions and building climate resilience. 

 

We used this platform to call upon stakeholders within the climate action value chain to work together in curbing the impacts of climate shifts, highlighting climate justice and key interventions.

 

We emphasised the need to work together in building a climate smart city that guarantees sustainable development for ourselves and the future where everyone can be safe and thrive. The outcomes of this Town Hall Conference of Parties where significant contribution to the United Nations Climate Change Conference that was held earlier this month in Brazil.

 

As a signatory to international climate charters and a pioneering member of the Covenant of Mayors, our municipality experiences an annual growth of over 3% annually while prioritizing the Green Economy, green buildings, and sustainable spatial planning to ensure development is inclusive and environmentally sound.

 

We're also thrilled that KwaDukuza is one amongst three KZN municipalities recognised for the 2025-2026 Blue Flag season, where KwaDukuza earned four flags within its coastline.

 

This coveted status does not only highlight the fact that we are passionate about sustainable tourism but also highlights the fact that we are amongst the leading coastal destinations that cares about public safety, and the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Indeed, KwaDukuza is steadfast about becoming the face of the province, not only in becoming a destination of choice but the tourism heartbeat of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline. I must also point out that in the upcoming week, I will be hoisting the four flags along our shores as part of the festive season activation and as an expression of confidence as a global competitor.

 

Nationally, we are witnessing exciting innovations in climate-responsive building technologies that KwaDukuza is eager to embrace. We are at the cusp of transformative change, from the 34 net-zero buildings certified across South Africa between 2017 and 2023, to advancements in energy-efficient designs that to reduce residential energy demand by 10%. (As outlined in the National Energy Efficiency Strategy)

 

Technologies like Innovative Building Technologies (IBT) from the CSIR and Agrément Board and modular systems with reduced construction waste, lower carbon footprints, and superior thermal performance, are indeed addressing enhancing resilience to fires, floods, and other climate threats.

 

These innovations must be regulated effectively to protect public health, safety, and the environment, as enshrined in the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.

 

Recent amendments, including those for water services and efficiency, and broader legislative reforms to overhaul the Act, last updated in 1996 - are crucial steps forward. As hosts of this convention, KwaDukuza is proud to contribute to these discussions, drawing on our local experiences to inform national standards.

 

Looking at today's programme, I am inspired by the lineup of speakers who will delve into these very topics, from amendments to the National Building Regulations, to fire safety in sustainable systems, and the role of Building Control Officers in disaster risk reduction. 

 

These discussions must cover the role of innovation in climate-resilient infrastructure, emerging trends in building technologies and materials, assessing the state of health and safety in buildings across South Africa, strengthening resilience through collaboration between municipalities and regulatory bodies, and regulatory tools designed to ensure that South Africa’s built environment can better withstand extreme weather events.

Your insights will not only identify weaknesses in our built environment but also promote uniform interpretation and application of the regulations, ensure effective communication, motivate legislative changes, and build continual professional development among BCOs nationwide (as outlined in the background of this convention). KwaDukuza Municipality is honoured to partner with the NRCS and NBCF in this endeavour, providing resources, and promotional support to make this initiative is a success.

 

In closing, let us commit to innovating boldly for resilience. Let us regulate with foresight, ensuring that every building we approve contributes to a climate-responsive South Africa, one that is safe, sustainable, and equitable for all.

 

I look forward to the fruitful deliberations ahead and wish you all a productive convention. Together, we can build a brighter future. On behalf of the people of KwaDukuza, I wish you wonderful deliberations.

 

Thank you!